Ragweed, sagebrush, autumn allergies; natural products that work without the side effects of most allergy medicines Well, it’s that season again. Many of you may have experienced the sneezing, running eyes, and inflamed sinus passages associated with fall allergy season. The worst part about it is that most of us are forced to use products that while working, make us miserable in other ways. Prior to discovering these products, I had relied on Sudafed, which would relieve the symptoms a little, but leave me wide awake at night so I could not sleep. The day after, I would feel hungover, but I did not drink. Many other antihistamine-based products have a similar effect, leave your mouth dry and some just do not work at all. Mother Nature to the rescue. Two products you need to know about now are Nettle or Stinging Nettles. There are a number of companies that sell nettle, some being in a tea form and others in caplets. We recommend Nature’s way. The dosage is two tablets per day which act as a natural antihistamine and usually works quickly. It is even effective with colds, but you may need to take a minimum of four capsules to get the desired relief. There is no side effect, other than you will notice a marked improvement of symptoms. You can take two tablets per day for a few days which usually eliminates the symptoms. Integrative Therapeutics Alpha-Glycosyl Isoquercitrin – Quercetin Supplement If you take Nettle regularly, you know that sometimes an acute attack cannot be stopped quickly by nettle alone, and sometimes you need a more potent product. Seasonal IC is the product you want. Seasonal IC will decrease the inflammatory response your family is having and clear your head. Our Seasonal allergy survival kit If you suffer from allergies, you should have both Nettle and Alpha-Glycosyl Isoquercitrin – Quercetin Supplement The two products together are inexpensive and should last you quite a while. They are also available separately at both our Scotch Plains and North Brunswick offices. Dr. C’s dosage recommendations For average allergy symptoms, take two nettle tablets daily. You can take one or two more if necessary if the allergen is strong in the air that day. For acute attacks, take two Alpha-Glycosyl Isoquercitrin – Quercetin and two Nettle as needed to relieve the attack.